Is Microsoft Attacking Sun or Protecting Consumers?

In a move that has Java developers up in arms, Microsoft Corp. dropped
support of the cross-platform Java language in the recent beta version --
Release Candidate 1 (RC 1) -- of its new Windows XP operating system.
In a move that has Java developers up in arms, Microsoft Corp. dropped
support of the cross-platform Java language in the recent beta version --
Release Candidate 1 (RC 1) -- of its new Windows XP operating system.

Also, Windows XP's default security settings in Outlook and Outlook Express
block Java applets in user inboxes, and the company has changed security
definitions to block Java applets in browsers when administrators opt for
high security settings -- the default settings for the OS.

Java, developed by long-time Microsoft rival Sun Microsystems, is a popular
platform for the creation of animation and interactive features for the Web.
Java requires the installation of a plug-in called a Java Virtual Machine
before it will run on a user's computer. The plug-in is widely available for
download on the Web and also frequently ships with Java-enabled software.

Although Java was not included with RC 1, as it has been with previous
versions of Windows, a user running RC 1 could still install a Java Virtual
Machine. However, Windows XP's default security settings would still block
many Java applets from running.

Microsoft has long viewed Java's ability to run on multiple operating
systems -- including those that run mobile devices like PDAs -- as a threat
to its Windows product line and its .NET platform, which has capabilities
similar to Java's. Microsoft's maneuverings against Sun and Java were part
of the foundation of the government's antitrust case against Microsoft.
Three weeks ago, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia unanimously upheld a lower court's finding that Microsoft used deceptive and
predatory tactics to undermine Java technology.

Microsoft's decision to drop support for Java and block many Java applets
from running prompted a number of small- and mid-sized Java developers to
form People for Open, Safe and Secure Internet and Email (POSSIE), based in
Atlanta, Ga. POSSIE's members have decided to stay anonymous for now -- "for
fear of retribution," according to a spokesperson -- but said it is not
supported by any big companies, including Sun Microsystems.

"While we commend Microsoft for taking steps to plug some of the security
holes in Windows, we're concerned about changes that could curtail the use
of Java and limit the richness of Web content and email," said POSSIE
Director Andrew Shikiar. "Java has proven to be a secure environment that
simply doesn't deserve these restrictions."

POSSIE said that Microsoft, by blocking Java applets in Outlook, will limit
email to basic text and graphics. Additionally, the group said that by
changing browser default settings to high security, users will no longer be
able to view common Java-based Web page components including stock and
sports tickers, electronic forms and animation.

"The livelihoods of some of the world's most innovative software developers
could be jeopardized if Microsoft maintains its current plans to wrongly
categorize Java as a security risk in Windows XP," Shikiar said. "The bottom
line is that Microsoft should provide the same, base-level Java support
corporate customers and consumers have come to depend on with previous
Windows releases -- which can be achieved by re-allowing Java in Outlook and
returning Java to its former lower security category. If security really is
the issue, there are better things Microsoft could do, such as bundle
anti-virus software into XP."